In past election races, I've offered this thought: Upon declaring one's intention to run for office, it just might be that the first non-cabinet member is, "Director of Defamation." It's increasingly apparent, isn't it? Seems more time is allocated to attacking opponents rather than espousing one's own merits and intentions.
Imagine being a "fly on the wall." Candidate, in a one on one conversation, tells BFF, "Your ONLY task is to dig up anything that can be used against the knucklehead across town. If you CAN'T find any, then, make UP some!" After all, we know the public thrives on garbage. Read chapter 13 of my doctoral on 'innuendo, hyperbole, non-facts about a recent study without a date or named author/many believe/everybody's saying/subliminal suggestion and a host of other ways to add my adversary to the cancel culture s--t list. Once the media gets their ratings race mitts on it, c'est la guerre!"
Regarding Mike Richards, his prior actions were not the best. Can we all not say we ever had one or several of those moments? A wise person stated a long time ago...If 2 people know, it's not a secret. A 2nd wise one offered, a thought is as bad as the deed. In the world's best ever selling book, another wise person said something about casting the first stone.
The "me-me-me" generation riding the cancel culture express take much pride in ruining another's life, career and family. Why? He/She failed to meet our standards, being, "Whatever you do is fine....as long as I approve."
If the CC were finite, there would be nearly zero attendance in ANY political venue, not to even mention the private sector. They DO however, continue to re-elect so, so many who are guilty. The collective memory is obviously selective and shamefully short, as in---look it up. I'm not going to do what you certainly haven't!
As for Mike Richards, the way the world is today, people are admitting guilt without atonement. CC might have sponsored a parade in your honor if only you had tapped your heart 3 times and said, "My bad!"